LUSAKA, Sunday, 21st July, 2024 – Minister of Green Economy and Environment Hon. Mike Elton Mposha, MP, has appealed for Indian renewable energy investors to set up manufacturing plants of solar panels, batteries, inverters and other accessories in Zambia.
The Minister was speaking when Indian High Commissioner to Zambia His Excellency Ashok Kumar paid a courtesy call on him in Lusaka.

“Your Excellency, as you may know, on 29th February, 2024, our President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema declared the prevailing severe drought as a national disaster and emergency. This climate change-induced drought has severely impacted several key sectors including hydropower generation and supply, food security, low water levels, and others. The consequences of this drought extend beyond the individual sectors, resulting in a substantial negative impact on the socio-economic well-being of majority Zambians and ultimately slowing down the country’s economy,” Hon. Mposha said. “In the face of this hydropower crisis, President Hichilema has urged all sectors, both public and private, and individuals alike to adopt renewable energy, particularly solar energy, as a sustainable alternative.”
The Minister recognised India’s remarkable strides in the renewable energy sector. He noted that India had established a robust manufacturing base for solar panels, lithium batteries, and other renewable energy-related accessories, and had positioned itself as a leading player in the global clean energy market.
“Therefore, we make an earnest appeal to your Government that you may impress upon the Indian renewable energy equipment manufacturers and other experts to consider setting up manufactories plants in Zambia,” Hon. Mposha said. “Given Zambia’s strategic geographical location and proximity to 8 neighbouring countries, and considering that the hydropower crisis is affecting most countries in southern Africa, there is a substantial regional demand for renewable energy products.”

He said establishing renewable energy manufacturing plants would help Zambia mitigate the impact of the hydropower crisis, transfer clean energy technologies, conserve the environment and create employment opportunities for locals.
The Minister called for close collaboration between Zambia and India in the fields of meteorology, forestry and environment, among other areas of mutual interest.